JAMES WARD-PROWSE led the charge as Saints secured their second league win of the week, but slipshod Albion showed little spirit.

Ward-Prowse expertly hammered in two set-piece efforts and sub Dusan Tadic also found the net to make a mockery of Albion’s record of conceding only 10 goals in 10 away league games.

Clearly boosted just before kick-off by the £4million arrival of Charlie Austin from QPR, who was watching from the stands, Saints were quickly into their stride, taking the lead inside five minutes.

But it was a goal that Albion keeper Boaz Myhill will want to forget.

Craig Dawson tripped Sadio Mane wide on the left, and instead of knocking the ball hopefully into a crowded area, James Ward-Prowse whipped in an inswinging shot that dipped past Myhill at his near post.

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In the 34th minute Matt Targett darted into the area only to be felled by Dawson’s clumsy challenge, and Ward-Prowse thumped the spot-kick beyond Myhill, for his second, and only the fourth of his Saints career.

Boss Tony Pulis finally sent on Saido Berahino to try to improve Albion’s attacking power but Steven Davis laid on Saints’ third on 72 minutes with a sublime reverse pass for Tadic to shoot past Myhill.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman said: “Free-kicks are one of Ward-Prowse’s qualities and that early free-kick was so important. We had total control.”

On his new signing he added: “I hope Charlie Austin will bring us goals. We need a player like him. He provides more competition.”

It was not a happy birthday for Pulis, 58 yesterday, who said: “Southampton were the better team all the way through. We looked flat.”

MAN OF THE MATCH: JAMES WARD-PROWSE – Lively throughout, the Saints midfielder doubled his career goals for the club with fine set-piece strikes.